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As the next presentation in its quarterly series of films that builds upon the Characters Unite public service campaign, USA Network will air a special broadcast of the Oscar-winning 2008 film Milk Saturday, June 1, at 8pm ET/PT. Milk will air in commemoration of Pride Month, and will be featured with limited commercial interruptions. The presentation will also include a personal introduction from actor and activist Neil Patrick Harris.

Milk dramatically recounts the true story of Harvey Milk (Sean Penn), the first openly gay person to be elected to office in California. Milk, a gay rights activist, was elected to the San Francisco Board of Supervisors in 1977, and forged coalitions across the political spectrum before being assassinated, along with Mayor George Moscone, by city supervisor Dan White (played by Josh Brolin in the film) in 1978.

Sean Penn won an Oscar for his portrayal of Harvey Milk in Milk, and Dustin Lance Black also took home an Oscar for Best Original Screenplay. The film received six other Oscar nominations, including Best Picture, Best Director (Gus Van Sant) and Best Supporting Actor (Josh Brolin).

Milk is the fourth film in USA Network’s Characters United Quarterly Film Series dedicated to using the power of great storytelling to increase awareness of social injustices, stimulate productive dialogue and encourage further progress. The series launched with To Kill a Mockingbird, introduced by President Barack Obama, in April 2012, and continued with The Color Purple, introduced by Whoopi Goldberg, in November 2012, and most recently included Schindler’s List, introduced by Steven Spielberg, in February 2013.

“This film series has allowed us to present to audiences some of the most courageous characters of our time,” said Bonnie Hammer, NBCUniversal Cable Entertainment Group Chairman. “Harvey Milk gave hope to generations of gay and lesbian Americans by encouraging them to live their lives openly and to speak out against the discrimination and prejudice they faced. We are honored to share his story in commemoration of Gay Pride Month.”

The special presentation of Milk, introduced by Neil Patrick Harris and with limited commercial interruptions, airs June 1 at 8pm ET/PT on USA Network.